A NEW MODEL OF EPIDERMAL CULTURE FOR THE SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF VITILIGO

Background Vitiligo can be successfully treated with grafts of autolog ous cultured epidermal cells. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of au tologous grafting of epidermal cells, cultured by an original method, in the treatment of localized vitiligo refractory to other therapies. Methods Autologous normally pigmented skin was used to culture keratin ocytes and melanocytes on a supporting layer of biomaterial (Laserskin ), which was grafted directly onto achromatic skin after de-epithelial ization with liquid carbon dioxide. The percentage area of repigmentat ion was calculated by image analysis. Results Initial repigmentation o f the treated areas was observed 1 month after treatment. Repigmentati on continued to increase for 3 months after grafting. Follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months showed almost complete repigmentation in six out of 11 cases. In four other patients, 40-71% of the grafted achromatic area was repigmented. In one patient, repigmentation was impeded by se psis. Conclusions The method was found to be effective in the treatmen t of localized vitiligo refractory to other treatments. The therapeuti c procedure was simple, reproducible, and easy to use.